Thanks to all for the discussion. I saw on facebook a video of a woman fingerpressing her 4-patches. She was slow and deliberate. I am like a bull dozer. I think that is the problem, I'm just not careful enough. Yes, I spin the seams and I have learned that if your two fabrics don't come together thread for thread, your spin will not happen, or will look bad.
Thanks to Lisa for starting a second quilt. I know it will turn out great. Always does.
Thanks to Kalama for the offer of a lesson over hot tea.
And thanks to Terry and fraeq for the response.
Anxiously awaiting Clue # 2. If I see another red and white patch I will be sick.